At a high-profile gathering commemorating Nigeria’s Democracy Day, a prominent legal voice, Dr Wahab Shittu (SAN), has called on President Bola Tinubu to rename the Abuja headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as “MKO Abiola House” in honour of the late democracy icon.
Shittu made the appeal at the June 12 National Dialogue held in Lagos on Thursday. Organised by the Eminent Patriots of Nigeria, this year’s edition centred on the theme “Democracy without a Democratic Constitution: Which Way for Nigeria?”
Addressing participants, Shittu argued that immortalising Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola in such a symbolic way would serve as a powerful reminder of the nation’s need for electoral integrity and genuine democratic values.
“Abiola and his family were wronged by the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election by the former President Ibrahim Babangida government. The Federal Government should release all entitlements and monies due to Abiola’s family to correct this injustice,” he stated.
“Furthermore, the government under President Bola Tinubu should name the INEC headquarters MKO Abiola House,” he added.
Shittu also stressed the need for constitutional reform, stating that Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive under a framework imposed by military regimes. He criticised the current political climate, describing it as plagued by transactional politics and political godfatherism.
“We have ‘cash-and-carry’ democracy; democracy by anointment; ‘kill-and-go’ democracy; democracy for stomach infrastructure. Without these, it’s difficult to gain political office. We need a people-driven, not military-imposed, constitution,” he said. “Nigerians must embrace a democratic culture where they determine their future without inducements.”
The dialogue featured several notable figures, including former Finance Minister Dr Idika Kalu; political economist Prof Pat Utomi; and key members of The Patriots, such as Gboyega Adejumo, Wale Okunniyi, Chris Iyovwaye, Maxwell Gidado, Mike Omeri, and Nwogwugwu Uche.
In his remarks, Kalu called for unity and national reflection, noting that although Nigeria’s democratic journey had faced setbacks, its continued existence should be appreciated.
“We must resist forces working against our national interest. United as one country, no foe can conquer Nigeria,” Kalu said.
Prof Utomi, on his part, expressed disappointment at the slow pace of democratic development but remained hopeful.
“When we fought for democracy, we hoped that by now, Nigeria would rank among the world’s top 10 nations. But look at where we are today. Is this the democracy some died for? Nigerians must keep fighting to reclaim their freedom. If we die, we die. Nigeria will rise again,” he declared.
Not all participants, however, shared a celebratory tone. Gboyega Adejumo stated bluntly that there was “nothing to celebrate” about June 12, describing the annual remembrance as merely symbolic.
“We are celebrating corruption. We may be marking the June 12 anniversary, but we are not celebrating,” he said.
Mike Omeri offered a constitutional perspective, emphasising the importance of restructuring and true federalism.
“June 12 should remind us that Nigeria must function as a federation in the real sense, where all constituent units contribute to national development on equal terms,” he said.
The event, held both physically and online, reflected a broad consensus on the need for deeper reforms. While opinions varied, the core message resonated clearly: honouring the legacy of MKO Abiola must go beyond declarations, it must be rooted in institutional reforms, justice, and a people-centred constitution.
